The Raw Metal dance group will perform at the Julia Creek Dirt and Dust Festival next year thanks to $15,000 in federal funding, Leader of The Nationals in the Senate, Ron Boswell, said today during a visit to Julia Creek.

Meeting with local members of the committee organising the Dirt and Dust Festival, Senator Boswell said the funds will be used for workshops and performances by Raw Metal which is known for using a combination of funk, hip-hop, tap and acrobatics in its dance routines.

“A significant part of this project will include local children in workshops run by Raw Metal in the lead up to the festival so that the children can perform as part of the main act for the opening ceremony (‘family night’),” Senator Boswell said.

'Raw Metal' will also perform at the interval in conjunction with the international bull ride which is part of the overall festival, he said.

Senator Boswell congratulated the Julia Creek Dirt and Dust Festival on receiving funding from Festivals Australia—the Australian Government’s program for arts-based projects which enhance the cultural program of regional and community festivals.

“Festivals are a great way for people to come together to celebrate and appreciate their communities and the Australian Government, through Festivals Australia, provides regional communities access to exciting arts experiences that would otherwise not be available,” he said.

“Festivals Australia attracts a wide range of applications from regional communities around the country and I’m pleased that Julia Creek will again benefit from this federal program,” he said.

Senator Boswell said the Julia Creek Dirt & Dust Festival received $12,000 last year from Festivals Australia to enable musician Troy Cassar-Daley to play at the Festival.

“I commend the organisers for securing federal support once again to help make the Julia Creek festival a success.”

Senator Boswell said Festivals Australia gives all Australians, regardless of where they live, the opportunity to access a range of creative and quality cultural activities that have meaning to them and their communities.

29 festivals across Australia will share in over $500,000 in the latest round of funding under the Festivals Australia program.

Funding for the next round of Festivals Australia, and its sister program, Festivals Australia Regional Residencies, is offered twice yearly. The deadline for applications in the next round of funding is 15 February 2006. Further information about the programs can be obtained by calling Freecall 1800 819 461 or on the website at www.dcita.gov.au/festivals.

Photos taken of Senator Boswell meeting with representatives of the Dirt and Dust Festival committee can be obtained by calling Leah on 0407 132 284